"We've spoken to Major League Baseball," Randy Levine, the Yankees' president, said Friday. "They understand the sensitivity of the matter and we're going to sit down and discuss it."

That is one thing -- but at least it's a contrive promotional event, rather than the Summer Classic itself. The starters in the All-Star game itself, though... that's entirely another matter.

Nevertheless, as MLB.com covers this morning, the Red Sox currently have five starters leading at their respective postitions when it comes to selecting an All-Star game starter, a number that, frankly, surprised me. The include folks you'd probably expect -- think David Ortiz and a resurgent Manny Ramirez -- but also Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia.

How does one take this? Sorry, but Sox fan or not, I can't help but feel a little guilty about this -- especially considering there is no doubt that as good as he is, Pedroia (.289 average with three home runs, 27 RBIs and six steals entering last night) isn't being outplayed by Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers (.292, seven home runs, 31 RBI, 14 steals).

Likewise, it's hard to make an argument that Varitek (.275, six home runs, 19 RBI) should be starting over Minnesota Twin Joe Mauer, who led all catchers in batting average (.338) and runs scored (29) while also driving in more runs (20) than Varitek despite missing part of the season with an injury.

By contrast, though, the Yankees have just two players leading at their respective positions, a couple of cats that go by the name of "Rodriguez" and "Jeter." And while it's tough to argue with A-Rod being voted an All-Star starter, Derek Jeter (.282, two home runs, 23 RBI) is more a recipient of good luck, considering how awful play at short stop has been the American League this season (See: Lugo, Julio, currently in four place among AL shortstops).

What does all this mean? There's little doubt the Red Sox will take center stage with as many as six or seven All-Stars in Yankee Stadium this season, once you count guys like Jonathan Papelbon and (potentially) Daisuke Matsuzaka, who still has his perfect 8-0 record after leaving last night's game early with an injury.

The Yankees? They could have no more than three, once Mariano Rivera (12 saves, 0.45 ERA entering last night) joins the group. Let them marinate on that one too long and Hank Steinbrenner's head might explode.